Comparison

stl vs OrbitCAD

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

stl

Features
Read full description

stl-er is the world's first AI-powered 3D model generator built for 3D printing. Simply describe any object in plain text โ€” and get a fully parametric, functional 3D model in seconds. No CAD experience needed. HOW IT WORKS 1. Describe what you want (e.g., "phone stand with cable slot") 2. AI generates a precise 3D model using CAD 3. Adjust dimensions with live parameter sliders 4. Download the STL file โ€” ready for your 3D printer KEY FEATURES โ€ข AI-Powered Generation โ€” From text prompt to 3D model in seconds โ€ข Live Parameter Sliders โ€” Fine-tune dimensions, rounding, and details in real-time โ€ข AI Refinement โ€” Modify designs with follow-up prompts ("make it taller", "add ventilation holes") โ€ข Instant STL Downloads โ€” Export files ready for any 3D printer or slicer โ€ข 3D Preview โ€” Rotate and inspect your model before downloading โ€ข Community Library โ€” Browse, remix, and share models created by other makers โ€ข Cross-Platform โ€” Seamlessly sync between iPhone, iPad, and Web PERFECT FOR โ€ข 3D printing enthusiasts and makers โ€ข DIY builders and hobbyists โ€ข Product designers and engineers โ€ข Educators and students โ€ข Anyone who wants custom 3D models without learning CAD software WHY stl-er? Traditional CAD software has a steep learning curve. AI model generators produce meshes that aren't optimized for printing. stl-er combines the precision of parametric CAD with the simplicity of natural language โ€” every model is mathematically exact, fully customizable, and ready to print. Every design is solid, manifold, and slicer-ready. Start creating. Now. Terms of Use: https://www.stl-er.com/terms-conditions/ Privacy Policy: https://www.stl-er.com/privacy-policy/

About

OrbitCAD

Features
Read full description

OrbitCAD turns plain-English descriptions into real, engineering-grade mechanical parts โ€” no CAD training required. Just describe what you need: "spur gear, module 2, 24 teeth" or "arm joint, 40mm bore" โ€” and OrbitCAD generates accurate, parametric 3D geometry in seconds. Rotate, inspect, and export it as STEP or STL for 3D printing or professional CAD workflows. WHAT YOU CAN DESIGN - Gears โ€” spur, helical, bevel, worm - Planetary gearboxes - Shafts, couplings, and drive components - Robotics parts โ€” arm joints, mounts, and more - Drone propellers and custom blade geometry - And an expanding library of mechanical components BUILT FOR REAL ENGINEERING Every part is generated with accurate dimensions, correct tooth profiles, and proper mechanical relationships โ€” not approximations. Inspect wall thickness, diameters, and tolerances directly in the app before you export. EXPORT READY Download STEP files for professional CAD software, or STL for 3D printing โ€” straight from your phone. Whether you're prototyping a robotics project, need a quick replacement part, or just want to explore mechanical design without opening a full CAD suite, OrbitCAD gets you from idea to exportable geometry in one conversation. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

stl4 screens
OrbitCAD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: stl at 3 against OrbitCAD's 1. On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. stl sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and OrbitCAD sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference ยท 5 level
stl versus OrbitCAD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterstlOrbitCAD
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyโ€”Every 6 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 โ€” better16.4
Further details โ€” not scored
Size84 MB38 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperTHOMAS CHRISTIAN HAGNAUERAldo HernandezCalzada

In-app purchases

5 purchases

stl

Subscriptions4
  • Premium โ€” 100 AI Models/mo$5.991 Month
  • Pro โ€” 500 AI Models/mo$15.991 Month
  • Premium โ€” 100 AI Models/mo$59.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Pro โ€” 500 AI Models/mo$159.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Credit Top-Up$15.99
3 purchases

OrbitCAD

Subscriptions1
  • OrbitCAD Pro$9.991 Month
One-time2
  • STL Export Credit$0.99
  • STEP Export Credit$2.99

Questions

Is stl free?
stl is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is OrbitCAD free?
OrbitCAD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do stl or OrbitCAD have ads?
Neither stl nor OrbitCAD shows ads.

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